Modeling and Simulation Testbeds: A Sandbox for Analysis of New Mobility Deployed at Scale
ONGOING | Systems Analysis and Optimization
Transportation Technologies:
Automated Vehicles, Micromobility, Passenger Mobility Options, Ridehail/Transportation Network Companies, Vehicle TechnologiesImpacts:
Transportation Systems Operations (and Efficiency)Problem Statement
In the absence of extensive real-world data on operational strategies and new mobility solutions, including automated vehicles and emerging mobility options, the adoption of modeling and simulation testbeds emerges as a pivotal tool for evaluation at scale. However, while there is a substantial body of research on modeling and simulating new mobility solutions, much of this work remains theoretical and disconnected from the practical needs of practitioners and policymakers. There is a critical need for more applicable, robust, and validated simulation testbeds that can bridge the gap between research and real-world applications. These testbeds should be designed to meet the specific requirements of practitioners and policymakers, enabling them to evaluate new mobility solutions effectively and make informed decisions to improve accessibility, efficiency and sustainability of transportation systems.Outcomes & Deliverables
The project will deliver a centralized data repository containing comprehensive datasets tailored to different development types, ranging from rural to mega urban areas. This repository will include essential open-source data and optional, more detailed datasets. Additionally, a suite of tailored simulation models will be developed using activity-based and agent-based techniques, providing detailed insights into traveler behavior and transportation performances. These models will be hosted within a distributed testbed network across multiple institutions, open-sourced in Github for public download and use, offering on-demand simulation services and enabling stakeholders to evaluate new mobility solutions tailored to their specific contexts.
Researchers
Team Lead
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
Mobility Innovations and Equity
Assistant Professor
The University of Alabama
Professor
Carnegie Mellon University
Associate Professor
UCLA